Leaving.  Yes, of course, that was right, Edmund was going to leave Whitby.  Not soon, not until he had enough coin to reavel with Mable again, but it would have to happen eventually.

Wouldn't it?

Inevitable as it may or may not have been, it was so far off, Edmund didn't care to think any more about it.

"Right now, I don't want better things," he said, "I just - I just want you."

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Edmund turned his face to hide it in Francis' shoulder.  His arms fell and wrapped around the other in a hug, but he couldn't look at him any longer.  It was too much.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled against the fabric of Francis' shirt, "I know I'm not as outgoing and - shameless as last night.  I hope you still like this version of me."